I-9 Immigration Audits Targeting Small Businesses

Posted by Christina Herrick|July 15, 2011

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has begun notifying 1,000 businesses nationwide it wants to review their I-9 forms and other documents to make sure they are hiring only people authorized to work in the U.S.

The Form I-9 is used by employers to verify an employee’s identity and legal status. Although the focus is on companies vital to national security and other government and economic functions, other businesses may be subject to inspection at any time.

Fines for I-9 violations range from $110 to $1,100 for one single, minor, or technical violation. Incorrect I-9 forms can be used as evidence of knowingly hiring an illegal alien. Businesses that knowingly hire an illegal alien can be fined up to $3,200 per violation.

Source: California Association of Winegrape Growers